The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of work to do in the upcoming NFL Draft. They hold the No. 11 pick in the first round after a miserable season just one year after making the Super Bowl, yet there's still a strong foundation provided the group can stay healthy.
That said, the stars are not only aging but growing more expensive as well. Not only is Brock Purdy due for a new, controversial contract, but the organization is seemingly in a standoff with five-time All-Pro tight end George Kittle as well.
Kittle is synonymous with the franchise, though nothing lasts forever. Given the circumstances, it'd behoove the 49ers to find his replacement sooner than later. Fortunately for San Francisco, they're in the perfect spot to draft the "future Kittle" in the first round.
Tyler Warren was one of the most dominant players in the country in 2024 and is expected to be a first round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Here are some of his best plays. pic.twitter.com/8SJT64zzDr
— College Football Live (@CollegeFBonX) April 21, 2025
49ers Must Select TE Tyler Warren to Replace George Kittle in 2025 NFL Draft
Penn State superstar tight end Tyler Warren is widely considered to be one of the best prospects in the entire class. The six-foot-six, 249-pound versatile weapon showcased his abilities as a receiver, blocker, and even rusher for the Nittany Lions, becoming perhaps the country's best receiver during the course of the 2024 campaign.
He caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight TDs, finishing seventh in Heisman voting with numerous circus catches and impressive athleticism that head coach Kyle Shanahan could put to good use. Kittle is already 31 years old and should the two sides fail to reach a long-term extension, Warren can step right in as a ready-made starter who can elevate Purdy and the rest of the offense.
It's possible that Warren goes to the New York Jets at No. 7 or Chicago Bears at No. 10, though if he's available, he makes a ton of sense for San Francisco. Even if Kittle sticks around, it's easy to picture Shanahan finding a way to deploy both players in two tight end sets to put pressure on defenses. In order to maximize Purdy, the organization needs to surround him with dynamic weapons. Warren is as dynamic as it gets, and few are better to learn from than Kittle himself.
Many fans want the 49ers to target a defender instead and that'd make sense too. However, Warren would give San Francisco the opportunity to terrorize defenses in a way few other teams in the NFC could. He's a star in the making, and Shanahan would salivate at the idea of drawing up plays utilizing him.
We'll see what happens on Thursday, but leaving defense for the latter rounds and bringing Warren in is the best possible option for the 49ers at this stage. It gives them insurance if Kittle negotiations don't work out, though also presents them unlimited upside if Kittle does indeed agree to an extension.